Even though manager John Gibbons is playing with a short bench it isn’t likely the Jays will go to a seven-man bullpen – at least not until after Brett Lawrie returns.

Gibbons pointed out they still must use closer Casey Janssen, coming off arm surgery, judiciously even though he was available Thursday on back-to-back nights after throwing the ninth in Wednesday’s 11-inning loss.

“I don’t anticipate anything,” Gibbons said, even though the short bench limits his options with pinch runners and pinch hitters.

There’s no time table for Lawrie’s return but it could take to the end of the month as he rehabilitates a stubborn oblique injury.

Meantime, there’ll be interesting twists to the lineup as the season progresses, including seeing Emilio Bonifacio in the outfield.

Bonifacio is expected to share duties at second base with Maicer Izturis, who has been filling in at third base for Lawrie. “I anticipate he (Bonifacio) will get some action in the outfield as well…if we want to give Colby (Rasmus) a night off for instance against a lefty we could put him in centre.”

Nobody is suggesting a centre field platoon.

Yet.

Still, if Rasmus – after batting .170 in Florida – continues that pace at the plate, and Lawrie comes back?

Let’s just say it could get interesting.

Bonifacio appeared in 102 games in the outfield last year with Miami.

Bonifacio had a difficult start to spring training but, said Gibbons: “You take away the first week of spring training he’s been rock solid, turned in a couple of nice double plays. He’s got range. He’s going to be a good player.”

GIGGLE-RAMA

Gibbons might’ve been oh-for-the-season going into Thursday night’s game but at least he hadn’t lost his sense of humor.

In his pregame talk with reporters, he was asked how he assessed the deal that brought reliever Esmil Rogers to Toronto in exchange for Boston getting former manager John Farrell.

Gibbons, grinning mischieviously, obviously wasn’t sure how to react, and someone quipped: “Yeah, what do you think we’d get for you.”

Gibbons laughed, suggesting: “What do YOU think you’d get for me? Pujols.”

READ IT & SWEEP?

OK, so the Indians were looking to sweep the season series opener. But, don’t read too much into Toronto’s start.

The Giants started 1-4 last season and won a World Series.

Gibbons was asked if there was anything he could do to light up an offence that has scored three runs in 20 innings.

“It’s way too early for that. I’d rather credit their pitching over there. They’ve done a pretty good job.

Toronto’s offence had been so stagnant through two games that Gibbons hasn’t had a chance to use any of that team speed that was talked about so much this spring.

“When those guys get on, things can happen . Until then…”

He let the thought drift into silence.

He was asked if he read what is being written about the club. Read about the public angst.

“There are times, I’ll be honest with you,” he said, a playful grin tugging at his lips, “when I’m bored.”

That was good for more chuckles.

“I try not to read too much. It’s not that I don’t respect your guys opinions,” he continued. “I’m sure there’s some great advice in there but sometimes it can frustrate you.

“One advice you get from managers who have been succesful is that they will tell you don’t read. No disrespect with … your job but there’s a lot of bullshit, too.”

ALL IN

Mark DeRosa got his first start Thursday at third, and will also play Friday against lefty Felix Doubront, in place of Izturis.

“I wanted to give him back to back games, it usually helps guys,” said Gibbons, noting Rajai Davis and Henry Blanco also will get starts this homestand. “We want to get them all in early so we don’t waste their spring training.”

Almost Done!

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